A place for everything and everything in its place. In most homes, that’s far from the case and we end up running around like headless chickens to find something — be it a document or a specific pair of scissors.
Done regularly, organisation takes about 15 minutes a day. It’s a super-small price to pay for a simpler life with decreased stress levels and increased time for other things. Smart storage solutions make it easy to stay organised. We tell you how:
•Plan the point of entry to avoid the last-minute rush for keys and bags everyday. A sturdy low-shelving unit works as seating and puts regular-use shoes out of sight. A fancy mirror tacked with knobs and hooks (to hang keys and caps) and mantel (to keep papers that need to be processed) is ideal.
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•Multi-use furniture is ideal for modern homes — they combine seating/sleeping spaces and storage space. Bring home coffee tables, ottomans, entertainment units with drawers and enclosed cabinets, and poufs that open up.
•A desk or a central island with a large work surface and multiple storage options works well in the family area — it can be used to place the computer, for schoolwork, crafts projects or board games.
•Set aside a couple of drawers for important files and paperwork. Make it a habit to put bills and documents in clear folders, and file at the end of each month.
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•Beds with built-in drawers or box beds are ideal to store bed linen and out-of-season clothes.
•Explore empty wall space, corners and space over doorways for storage. Bespoke racks, shelves and cupboards can tuck away a lot.
•Under-bed storage bins, closet organisers, wire baskets and clear bins make putting things away easy for little hands. Wall hangings with storage pockets keep stationery and the like in one place.
•In closets, hang shelving in double tiers, and at varying heights to make the most of space. Free up space with door hooks for shoe organisers, ties, belts and scarves.
•Organise jewellery to help you save time each day. Run strings between hooks to hang up earrings and necklaces; put away other things in divided drawers and clear containers.
•A galley-style kitchen makes the most efficient use of space. Use roll-out shelves, hanging wire racks, and a built-in rubbish bin. Don’t forget to tap the window sill for added storage.
•Arrange utensils according to use — daily, steel, non-stick, glasses, cups, glassware, and partyware. Hanging wire storage lets you use vertical space to store pots, pans, ladles and aprons.
•A spice rack hung on the inside of a cupboard door saves space; hooks and knobs keep tea towels and paper rolls off the counter.
•A magnet/pin board to put up recipes, lists and reminders works well in the kitchen. Put up another one in the family area as well.
•In the bathroom, recesses help free up moving space. Niches in the wall can hold toiletries, cosmetics, toilet paper and bath linen. Hooks on doors and shelving in the shower area are a must.
Plan the wash area to optimise space. Consider a washing machine, laundry bag and a wall-mounted bin (for brooms, brushes and mops). Convert oddly shaped areas (especially near pipes) into closed cupboards to stash cleaning supplies.